Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is an Indian socio-cultural organisation. RSS, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, is a nationalist, volunteer-based organisation dedicated to promoting India’s cultural, social, and spiritual ideals. RSS’s principal goal is to help people develop their character and personality through activities such as physical exercise, intellectual talks, and social service.
- What is the full form of RSS?
- Historical Background : RSS full form
- Ideology and Philosophy: RSS full form
- Organizational Structure: RSS full form
- Services: RSS full form
- Controversies and Criticisms: RSS full form
- Major Events: RSS full form
- Global Presence : RSS full form
- RSS’s Origins: RSS full form
- Future of RSS
- RSS’s objective
- Frequently Asked Question
RSS is frequently associated with Hindutva ideology, which emphasises Hindu cultural and religious unity. The organisation is hierarchical, with local units known as shakhas working in different neighbourhoods and villages. RSS has millions of adherents, known as swayamsevaks, who practise self-discipline, social service, and promote a feeling of nationalism.
What is the full form of RSS?
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation in India. It was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The RSS has been described as a right-wing, Hindu nationalist organisation. It is the parent organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the current ruling party of India.
The RSS has been accused of being involved in violence and of promoting Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology. The RSS has denied these allegations.The RSS is a large organisation with a membership of over 6 million people. It has branches all over India and in other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The RSS is a controversial organisation. It has been praised for its work on social welfare and for its promotion of Hindu values. However, it has also been criticised for its involvement in violence and for its promotion of Hindutva.
Historical Background : RSS full form
Founding in 1925: The RSS become based on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Hedgewar was worried approximately the lack of unity and energy among Hindus and aimed to create a disciplined, cohesive force to sell Hindu lifestyle and values.
Initial Years of Growth: In its early years, the RSS focused on organising nearby branches referred to as “Shakhas,” wherein physical, ideological, and cultural education changed into imparted. The employer grew regularly, attracting a full-size wide variety of younger guys.
Influence at the Independence Movement: Although the RSS did not without delay take part inside the Indian freedom struggle, it supported the idea of a sturdy, impartial India based totally on Hindu values. Many contributors were concerned in numerous nationalist sports, even though the corporation maintained a non-political stance throughout this period.
Post-Independence Expansion: After India won independence in 1947, the RSS extended rapidly, establishing a broader community throughout the united states of america. It centered on social service and state-constructing sports, though it confronted demanding situations, such as a transient ban after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, which become later lifted.
Ban and Revival: The RSS was banned following Gandhi’s assassination because of the alleged involvement of an RSS member, Nathuram Godse. However, the ban became lifted in 1949 after the employer pledged to stay non-political and devoted to non-violence.
Formation of Affiliated Organizations: In the 1950s and 1960s, the RSS played a vital function within the formation of diverse affiliated , together called the “Sangh Parivar.” These encompass the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Ideology and Philosophy: RSS full form
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hindutva | A cultural and civilizational concept emphasizing the unity and identity of Hindus. Coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, it is central to RSS ideology. |
| Hindu Rashtra | The vision of India as a “Hindu Nation,” where the cultural and spiritual heritage of Hinduism shapes national identity. |
| Nationalism | A strong sense of Indian nationalism rooted in the cultural heritage of India, promoting pride in the country’s history and traditions. |
| Cultural Unity | Advocates for the unity of the diverse Hindu community across India, emphasizing common cultural practices and beliefs. |
| Social Discipline | Promotes discipline, moral values, and physical fitness among members to build a strong, unified society. |
| Non-Political Stance | While influential in politics, the RSS officially maintains a non-political stance, focusing on social and cultural work. |
| Self-Reliance | Encourages self-reliance and self-sufficiency at both individual and national levels, supporting indigenous practices and industries. |
| Service to Society (Seva) | Stresses the importance of selfless service (Seva) to society, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and disaster relief. |
| Opposition to Westernization | Critiques the adoption of Western cultural values, advocating instead for the preservation and promotion of indigenous traditions. |
| Inclusivity within Hindutva | While centered on Hindu identity, the RSS ideology also encompasses respect for other religions that have originated in India, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, but is often criticized for its stance towards Abrahamic religions. |
Organizational Structure: RSS full form
| Level/Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Sarsanghchalak (Chief) | The supreme leader of the RSS, responsible for guiding the overall direction and ideology of the organization. |
| Sarkaryawah (General Secretary) | The second-in-command, overseeing day-to-day operations and implementation of policies across the organization. |
| Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha | The highest decision-making body, comprising key leaders and representatives from various regions. |
| Kshetriya Pracharak (Zonal Head) | Leaders responsible for overseeing the activities of the RSS in specific zones or regions of India. |
| Prant Pracharak (State Head) | Heads the activities of the RSS at the state level, coordinating between the zones and the central leadership. |
| Zilla Karyavah (District Secretary) | Manages the organization’s activities within a district, reporting to the state head and implementing directives. |
| Shakha (Local Branch) | The basic unit of the RSS, where members (Swayamsevaks) gather regularly for physical, cultural, and ideological training. |
| Mukhya Shikshak (Chief Instructor) | The leader of a Shakha, responsible for conducting the daily activities and training of members. |
| Swayamsevaks (Volunteers) | General members of the RSS who participate in Shakhas and contribute to various organizational activities. |
| Pratinidhi (Representative) | Elected representatives from each Shakha or district who participate in decision-making at higher levels. |
Services: RSS full form
Educational Services:
The RSS runs severa faculties below the banner of Vidya Bharati, selling fee-based schooling rooted in Indian lifestyle and historical past. These colleges focus on each academic excellence and individual building.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Through organizations like Seva Bharati, the RSS provides healthcare offerings, which includes free clinical camps, blood donation drives, and the operation of hospitals and clinics in underserved areas.
Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation:
The RSS is actively worried in disaster relief operations, offering instant help at some stage in natural calamities along with floods, earthquakes, and pandemics. They provide food, safe haven, and scientific resource to affected populations.
Rural Development:
The RSS works closer to the development of rural areas with the aid of selling self-reliance and sustainable agricultural practices. Initiatives encompass watershed development, vocational schooling, and the advertising of indigenous industries.
Social Harmony Programs:
The organization runs packages aimed at fostering social concord and countrywide integration. These include campaigns in opposition to caste discrimination and tasks to deliver collectively specific communities.
Youth and Character Building:
Through its Shakhas, the RSS emphasizes the physical, ethical, and ideological schooling of young people. The aim is to instill area, patriotism, and a sense of provider inside the younger era.
Environmental Conservation:
The RSS engages in various environmental conservation activities, consisting of tree plantation drives, merchandising of natural farming, and campaigns for the safety of rivers and forests.
Controversies and Criticisms: RSS full form
| Controversy/Criticism | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Communalism | The RSS has often been accused of promoting a Hindu-centric agenda, leading to tensions with religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. |
| Involvement in Gandhi’s Assassination | The organization faced a significant controversy when Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, was found to have been an ex-RSS member, leading to a temporary ban on the RSS in 1948. |
| Religious Intolerance | Critics argue that the RSS’s ideology fosters religious intolerance and marginalization of non-Hindu communities, which some claim undermines India’s secular fabric. |
| Political Manipulation | Despite claiming to be non-political, the RSS is often criticized for its influence on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its role in shaping the political discourse in India. |
| Promotion of Caste Hierarchy | Some scholars and activists have accused the RSS of upholding and perpetuating traditional caste hierarchies, despite its efforts to promote social harmony. |
| Saffronization of Education | The RSS has been criticized for allegedly attempting to “saffronize” education, meaning the revision of history and educational content to reflect a Hindu nationalist perspective. |
| Use of Violence | The RSS has faced allegations of inciting or supporting violence, particularly during communal riots and conflicts, though the organization denies direct involvement. |
Major Events: RSS full form
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Founding of RSS | The RSS was founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) to promote Hindu unity and cultural values. |
| 1948 | Ban Following Gandhi’s Assassination | The RSS was banned after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination due to the involvement of Nathuram Godse, an ex-RSS member. The ban was lifted in 1949 after the organization pledged non-political and non-violent principles. |
| 1965 | Role in Indo-Pak War | The RSS actively participated in supporting the Indian armed forces during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, providing logistical support and organizing blood donation camps. |
| 1975-1977 | Emergency Period in India | During the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the RSS played a key role in the underground resistance, opposing the government’s authoritarian measures. |
| 1984 | Formation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | The BJP, the political wing of the RSS, was officially formed, marking the beginning of a more direct political influence by the RSS in Indian politics. |
| 1992 | Babri Masjid Demolition | The RSS was involved in the campaign leading to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, an event that led to widespread communal riots across India. |
| 2014 | Rise to National Power with BJP | The RSS played a significant role in the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2014 general elections, leading to the election of Narendra Modi, a former RSS pracharak, as Prime Minister of India. |
Global Presence : RSS full form
Diaspora Organizations: The RSS has hooked up diverse affiliated businesses and cultural agencies inside the Indian diaspora groups, specially in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Middle East. These organizations promote the RSS’s ideological and cultural schedule among expatriate Indians.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS): The HSS is the global counterpart of the RSS, running in several nations outdoor India. It makes a speciality of promoting Hindu subculture and values and organizes events just like the Shakhas held in India.
International Conferences and Seminars: The RSS and its affiliates participate in global meetings and seminars, regularly on topics associated with Hindu way of life, nationalism, and social problems. These activities assist in networking with other cultural and companies globally.
Cultural and Educational Activities: The RSS organizes cultural and educational programs for the Indian diaspora, together with fairs, performances, and language classes, to foster a sense of Indian cultural identification overseas.
Support Networks: The RSS has hooked up aid networks to help Indian expatriates, consisting of criminal aid, social services, and community support agencies, helping to hold a reference to Indian cultural and non secular practices.
Media and Publications: The RSS and its international affiliates submit and distribute literature, magazines, and on-line content material to spread their ideological viewpoints and preserve the global Indian community informed approximately their activities and perspectives.
Global Political Influence: The RSS’s impact extends to worldwide political discussions, particularly via its connections with proper-wing and nationalist groups in numerous international locations.
RSS's Origins
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a doctor in the city of Nagpur, British India. Hedgewar was a political protege of B. S. Moonje, a Tilakite Congressman, Hindu Mahasabha politician and social activist from Nagpur. Moonje had sent Hedgewar to Calcutta to pursue his medical studies and to learn combat techniques from the secret revolutionary societies of the Bengalis. Hedgewar became a member of the Anushilan Samiti, an anti-British revolutionary group, getting into its inner circle. The secretive methods of these societies were eventually used by him in organising the RSS.
The initial impetus of the organisation was to provide character training and instill “Hindu discipline” in order to unite the Hindu community and establish a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation). Drawing its inspiration from European fascist movements and groups such as the Italian Fascist Party, the organisation aims to spread the ideology of Hindutva to “strengthen” the Hindu community and promotes an ideal of upholding an Indian culture and its civilizational values. During the colonial period, the RSS collaborated with the British Raj and played no role in the Indian independence movement.
The RSS has been accused of being involved in violence and of promoting Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology. The RSS has denied these allegations. The RSS is a large organisation with a membership of over 6 million people. It has branches all over India and in other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The RSS is a controversial organisation. It has been praised for its work on social welfare and for its promotion of Hindu values. However, it has also been criticised for its involvement in violence and for its promotion of Hindutva.
RSS's objective
The RSS’s methods of achieving its objectives include:
- Character training: The RSS believes that character is the foundation of a strong society. The RSS’s training program, known as the shakha, is designed to instill discipline, physical fitness, and a sense of duty in its members.
- Social welfare: The RSS engages in a variety of social welfare activities, such as running schools, hospitals, and orphanages. The RSS believes that these activities help to strengthen the Hindu community and make it more self-reliant.
- Political activism: The RSS is not a political party. The RSS supports the BJP and other Hindu nationalist parties.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1 :What is the RSS?
A: The RSS is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 in India, promoting Hindu cultural and ideological values.
Q2: Who founded the RSS?
A: Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Q3: What is the primary ideology of the RSS?
A: The RSS advocates Hindutva, which emphasizes the cultural and spiritual heritage of Hinduism.
Q4: Does the RSS participate in politics?
A: While the RSS itself is non-political, it influences political discourse through its affiliated organizations, notably the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Q5: What are Shakhas?
A: Shakhas are local branches of the RSS where members gather for physical training, ideological instruction and cultural activities.
